Chapter 24: Chapter 24

I got to the car first and waited for Sean to unlock the door. He walked painfully slow while picking the picnic basket. Once he unlocked the car, I quickly got inside not forgetting to slam the door as well.

He got in after placing the basket in the backseat. I crossed my arm and looked anywhere but him. I could feel his gaze on me, but I ignored it. He let out a sigh then started the engine.

The whole ride was intense with me looking out of the window and he sometimes steal a few glances at me. He tried putting his hand on my thigh but I yanked him away.

I knew he was out of patient right now but I didn't care. Just because he was my boyfriend, doesn't mean he could just decide for me. Hell, even my dad didn't do that.

I was relieved when the apartment came into the view. When the car stopped, I quickly put my seat belt off. Before I could reach the door handle, a hand was on my wrist.

"I know you're mad at me. But you have to understand that I'm doing this for your safety", he said softly.

I sighed then turned to face him. His eyes spoke of guilt making me felt bad.

"I know, but I want to work. I don't want to be dependent on anyone else. Especially you, when you said that you will afford me, making me feel.. cheap", I muttered the last part. He let out a loud sigh.

"You're not cheap, Valerie. Don't ever think that. I'm asking you this because I don't want to always worry when you're out there working especially if my enemy knows you're working there. That,  and I know how exhausted you are. You barely eat or do your homework. I don't want you to get sick", he explained.

I just sat there looking at him, no words came out of my mouth. The thought that he cared for me made me realized how lucky I was for having him as a boyfriend.

"I'm sorry", I muttered.

"Sorry for what?", he said confused.

"I'm sorry I was being an ass to you earlier", I sighed.

He chuckled. "You're not an ass. I understand how you react. I'd did too if I was asked the same thing"

"So, if I asked you to stop what you're doing now, would you react the same way too?", I asked.

He was quiet for a minute before answering. "I know that this is not the best job to have, but it's my life now. I build everything I have from the ground and I don't think I'd throw it all away anytime soon"

I had nothing to say afterward. This is his life, his job, and nothing could stop him from his crazy lifestyle.

"I love you", he said suddenly making my head lifted in shock.

"What?", I must hear wrong.

"I said I love you", he said cupping my cheek then planted his lips against mine. "It's okay if you don't say it back. I just want you to know how I feel about you and to prove to you that I'm serious about us", he smiled.

Wow, Sean Winters just admitted that he loved me. Am I dreaming? Sure, he liked me but love? That is a big word to say. I honestly didn't know if I love him. I mean, I enjoy his company, he made me smile every day and I love his kisses. Wait, did I say I loved his kisses?

"It's late. You should go inside", he said snapping from my thoughts. "I don't want your friend to call the cops thinking that I'm kidnapping you", he said in humor.

"Right", I chuckled.

"Though I like that idea", he smirked.

I rolled my eyes "good night, Sean", I said reaching the door handle.

"Sleep tight and don't forget to dream about me", he winked.

"Haha", I said before slamming the door shut.

I was almost inside the building when I heard him shouting my name. I turned my back and saw that he was still in the car but the window of the passenger seat was rolled down. I quickly walked towards the car, thinking that he might need something.

"What is it?", I asked.

"You forgot to kiss me", he slightly pout.

I rolled my eyes dramatically. He looked amused with my annoyed look. I just frowned but leaned down anyway to kiss his lips. He leaned himself forward to be able to kiss me.

After we pulled away I could see the spark in his eyes. "Good night, sweetheart", he said again.

"Good night, Sean", I said suddenly felt tired then turned to walk towards the big building.

This time he let me go in peace until I was inside the building and he drove away like usual.

When I opened the door to the apartment, I heard loud noises inside. "Val, is that you?", I heard Dani's voice from the kitchen.

"Yeah", I said putting my coat at the hanger.

I walked to the kitchen and was met with Dani, James, and his friends. They all turned to me and suddenly I felt awkward.

"Hey, come hang out with us", Dani said cheerfully patting an empty seat beside her.

I wanted to say I was tired, which was true but I quickly dismissed the idea, remembering that I and Dani tried to fix our friendship. I didn't want to let her down.

"Sure", I said with hesitation. I didn't mind hanging with her but it's James and his friends who were my problem. They made me uncomfortable.

I took a seat beside Dani and pretended to listen to their conversation. The guys were talking about football which I didn't understand. Dani didn't understand either but she just listened to them obediently and nodded whatever James said. I was beginning to get bored and without me realizing it, I let out a loud sigh which took their attention to me.

"I almost forgot, how was your date?", Dani asked excitedly. The boys turned their heads to me as well making me insecure.

"Who's having a date?", James asked, his head lifted from the fridge.

"Val had a date tonight and he is soo hot", Dani emphasized the word hot.

"But not as hot as you thought", Dani quickly said when James glared at her.

"Good to hear that", James grinned closing the fridge with a beer in his hand.

"So? How was it?", Dani put her chin on her hand.

"It was great. He took me to picnic", I answered truthfully and I could see some of the guys made a face including James.

"Aw, did you guys did the dirty afterward?", Dani hoped.

My eyes widen and my face was red in embarrassment. How could she ask that in front of these guys?

"Oh my God, you did, didn't you", Dani gasped dramatically.

"What? No. We didn't do anything", I said in defense.

"Don't be embarrassed, babe. It's okay to tell us", I heard one of the guys laughed.

"But I didn't", I glared at him and he raised his hands in surrender.

"Alright, we believe you", Dani said squeezing my hand then turned to the guy. "That's not nice, Tyler", she glared at the guy named Tyler.

Wanting to disappear, I purposely let out a yawn. Dani noticed this and she said the words that I wanted to hear. "Go to sleep, you looked tired", Dani said patting my back.

I got up from the chair and dragged my feet away from the kitchen, not forgetting to limp a little for the dramatic effect. "Good night, guys",  I said sleepily and they all replied with a good night as well.

Once I was in my room, I sighed in relief. The acting was a tough job. I threw myself on the bed and decided to play with my phone for a moment before going to sleep.

I was scrolling through my Instagram when suddenly I got a text message from an unknown number and when I read the text, my hand quickly dropped the phone.

He thinks he can hide you, but I've proven him wrong.